I'm not cut out for blogging, it seems. Anything specific I prefer to keep private; anything general is too much like what's already out there.

So here's a pretty picture of my dad wandering through the Crescent City harbour during the 2015 winter holiday.

The recent years have been full of growth, discovery, simplification, refocus, and a tendency toward stability. I'm grateful to see that learning never stops.

The coming year will see contributions to travel and memories rather than my IRA. There's a time and place for each; I know they say "buy low,"but __ is beckoning.

It's sunny and warm and I've been planting a garden. Things are blooming, like winter's Lincoln Peas and wildflowers.

I'm producing a concert next week and I should probably listen to that violin concerto that the conductor is so crazy about. And find a French horn sub.

There's a new breakfast spot in town that serves beignets and delicious coffee that doesn't make me buzzy. It's part of my (new) week. And still a bit of a local secret.

The most recent discovery has been scotch. Scotchy scotch scotch, I like you peaty and thick and like I'm chewing on campfire smoke.

Speaking of which, I'm due for a good sleep under the stars. It's been some days.

pax!

thankful version 2

almost a year later, to the date...

thankful for (in no particular order):
eating things i've grown
family
autumn's color palette
tweed
mulled wine

happy 2013, what's left of it :)

thankful.

i'm thankful that the reasons for being too busy to even think about blogging are these:

*working for the North State Symphony, a wonderful regional non-profit orchestra

*working for Wild Ink Press, an amazingly charming and creative letterpress studio

*freelance graphic design: currently including two books, various student recital posters, branding for a pub, and print material for a non-profit student entrepreneurial organization

it's all good. i'll detail later. best wishes to all :)

diversion of an hour: HWY 32

took a mini-road trip up our old highway (as in, a hundred years ago-highway) to scout out some spots for a photoshoot/wedding. it's already late springtime here, and dry. grass is a bit green, wildflowers bloom here and there, and birds sing and sing and sing.

what december looked like around here

the last few days we've seen some rain for the first time in... months? it's so wrong. here's a shot from upper park last month - dry but still beautiful.
 

happy boxing day

we don't celebrate it in my house, but i *am* aware of its existence, unlike most yanks... i laugh. i got my brother a keg of a wonderful local beer for his empty kegerator - merry christmas! i'm pretty sure i get the "world's best sister" award for that. just another normal holiday, with bottomless mimosas, Lawrence of Arabia on the tv, and not a turkey dinner in sight. happy holidays from NorCal.

on the "occupy ___" movement

i'm so OVER it.
and likening it to similar uprisings and protests in the middle east?
seriously.

here in America we have:
cable TV
uncensored internet
the right to vote
the right to run for office
the right to start a political action committee
the right to drive a car (women) without risk of imprisonment
access to all levels of education
the ability to own your own business
the option of socialized or private health insurance
unlimited food sources
unlimited shopping options, from thrift stores to Macy's
the right to practice whatever religion you want
the right to live with whoever you want
... i could go on...

so what that 1% possess 99% of the world's wealth. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THAT!

i suggest: be smart with whatever money you have. buy local. make your own things. cook your own food. grow food if you can. reuse what you can; recycle if you can't or give it to someone else who can use it. be generous to others - whether they have less or more than you. if you have the means, support non-profits that benefit your community; they can always use help. vote. save money. invest in trustworthy sources. "occupying" my town just irritates me and makes parking difficult.

good lifestyle choices make more sense to me than holding a sign.

besides:


...

that was totally a rant. not interested in a political debate; just needed to let off steam. cheers lovelies :)